Hydrophilic Fiber Membrane Generator for Continuous DC Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical energy generation apparatuses, such as piezoelectric and triboelectric devices, produce high-frequency AC voltage and current, requiring additional rectification and storage, and suffer from decreased efficiency due to mechanical deformation and thermal damage, making them unreliable for continuous DC power generation.
Innovation Solution
A carbon layer-hydrophilic fiber complex generator and a conductive polymer-based electrical energy generation apparatus are developed, utilizing asymmetrical wetting to form an electric double layer, allowing for continuous DC voltage and current generation by moving ions and electrons, eliminating the need for additional circuits and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If piezoelectric or triboelectric energy generation apparatus are used, then high voltage and high power can be generated, but the generated electrical energy is in the form of high-frequency AC voltage and current requiring additional rectification and storage circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical energy conversion systems (piezoelectric and triboelectric) with a chemical energy conversion system based on redox reactions. The chemical battery generates direct current through electrochemical reactions, eliminating the need for mechanical-to-electrical conversion that produces AC voltage requiring rectification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical deformation (in piezoelectric/triboelectric) to chemical potential difference (in redox reactions). This parameter change enables direct current generation without the high-frequency AC output characteristic of mechanical energy conversion systems.
2Power
If piezoelectric or triboelectric energy generation apparatus are used, then electrical energy can be generated through mechanical deformation or friction, but the efficiency decreases due to mechanical deformation and thermal damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical energy conversion with chemical energy conversion. The redox reactions in the chemical battery do not involve mechanical deformation or friction, thereby eliminating the efficiency degradation caused by mechanical stress and thermal damage to mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses consumable chemical reactants (fuel and oxidant) that are continuously replenished. The chemical battery can be refilled with fresh reactants, providing a reliable and sustainable energy source without the degradation issues of mechanical components.
3Power
If piezoelectric or triboelectric energy generation apparatus are used, then electrical energy can be generated, but additional rectifier circuits and energy storage devices are always involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical energy conversion systems with a chemical battery system that inherently produces direct current. This eliminates the need for rectifier circuits that would be required to convert the AC output of piezoelectric or triboelectric devices into usable DC power.
4Reliability
If a carbon layer is coated on hydrophilic fiber membrane, then an electric double layer is formed by polar solvent adsorption, but the surface energy must be reduced through physical adsorption of ions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydrophilic fiber membrane with porous structure that provides high surface area for polar solvent adsorption. The porous structure enables efficient formation of electric double layer with minimal solvent volume, as the solvent penetrates and adsorbs throughout the three-dimensional porous network rather than just on the external surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining hydrophilic fiber membrane with carbon layer coating. This composite material leverages the hydrophilic properties of the fiber membrane for solvent adsorption and the electrical conductivity of carbon for charge separation and current generation, achieving efficient energy conversion with minimal solvent.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus generates stable DC power for extended periods without mechanical or thermal damage, improving energy efficiency and reliability, enabling direct connection to electronic devices without additional circuits.
Implementation Method 1
the physical adsorption of ions is performed on a surface of the carbon layer in order to reduce surface energy. Accordingly, the electric double layer is formed
Implementation Method 2
a high polar solvent adsorption force of the hydrophilic fabric fiber strand moves hydrogen ions (proton), included in the polar solvent, from the wetted region to the dry region
Implementation Method 3
electrons within carbon also move in the same direction in order to maintain charge neutrality. Accordingly, a current continues to flow until the polar solvent is fully evaporated
Implementation Method 4
a potential caused by a capacitance difference attributable to an electric double layer generated by physical adsorption for lowering surface energy is formed between a wetted region and a dry region
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a complex generator including a hydrophilic fiber membrane coated with an adsorption material. Electrical energy is generated in such a manner that the adsorption material is adsorbed onto a polar solvent in some region of the hydrophilic fiber membrane by asymmetrical wetting of the polar solvent for the hydrophilic fiber membrane.